31 replies to this topic

[MSwiss]

Adjustable vs. using collets.

IOW, a smaller version of what you typically see on a drill press.

[John Miller]

Tony, please let us know how you like the Proxxon after you give it a try.

[Matt Sheldon]

I recently purchased the big daddy Lithium Dremel because I have too many cords at my workspace and I needed something immediately. I have looked at the Proxxons for a long time, just never needed anything of that quality until recently. I know Howie has always raved about them.

 

Hey and it comes in retro green and baby poop yellow, so you know it has to be good. I think we had appliances in these exact same colors at one point as well.

[Steve Deiters]

One thing I forgot to mention when I was expounding on the virtues of the Proxxon tool is that they come with an extra long power cord which is very nice.

[tonyp]

John I will.

[anumber1]

The Black & Decker one mentioned above is really a nice tool. Mine is 5 years old or so and flawless.

The Dremel adjustable chuck works great with it.

[Nate Graham]

Short answer: +1 for proxxon.

 

long answer- While I am relatively new to slot cars, I have been building with rotary tools for > 30 years. model warships for combat, RC cars, gunsmithing, woodcarving, custom building grab-and-go kits for emergency communications. The Dremel has been a staple in my shop all those years. my original just gave up the ghost last year. you know, the one that was well built and all you had to do was replace brushes when they wore out!?! My most recent corded Dremel brand died last week after less than one year of relatively light use. circuit board blew. I did a complete tear down and went over the mechanicals and they are still fine. clunky but fine. vibrates too much. all the complaints you have heard. they are true. 

 

Black and Decker Wizzards  - corded and cordless have worked ( i have used 2 cordless and one corded. the cordless lasted 3 years. one cordless is still going after 16 years of use)  but still not as precise as I would like. to be honest, the little 3.6 volt interchangeable battery pack version has served well for travel and has decent power for such a low voltage unit. Remember ; torque equals voltage, rpm equals amperage for the most part given the same wind...physics...yada yada. 

 

The new Li battery Dremel has been very nice so far and fits in the go kit for races and boat battles. this is a big jump up in power over the B & D models at a bigger price - $90 range vs $25.

 

For an experiment, I got the harbor freight tiny unit that plugs into the wall with a wall wart type power supply. this is simply a 12 volt motor device with a low end power supply. pretty weak but will handle sanding drums and polishing chores. my advice: cut the cord and put connectors to go on your adjustable supply in your slot car box and use it for fine tuning bodies and the like at a race. it is small and fits in a lot of spaces without a lot of weight if used like this.

 

Always thought the Proxxon was expensive. Purchased one 2 weeks ago on Dieter's recommendation ( man gives excellent advice) 

WOW! no vibrations. quiet motor. beaucoup power. good heft. The FBS was $69.   I am very impressed. I will not buy another Dremel. Of course, I probably won't have to. German quality. nuff said.